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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) recently received an award for his leadership on animal protection legislation in 2011 from the Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS) and the Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSLF).

“The Humane Society’s efforts to protect animal rights are important to me and my constituents,” said Congressman Cohen, a lifelong supporter of animal rights and welfare issues. “The treatment of animals has long been characterized as a direct reflection on how we as people treat ourselves and each other. It is a privilege and an honor to be recognized by the Humane Society for my work to promote animal protection legislation.”

Congressman Cohen received a Humane Champion award for earning a perfect score on the 2011 Humane Scorecard and for his leadership on horse transport in double-decker trailers, soring of show horses, and canned hunts/Internet hunting.

“Rep. Cohen has been a prominent voice in the U.S. Congress for safeguarding animals against abuse and advancing their protection,” said Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of the HSUS. “We are deeply grateful for his being such a stalwart champion and consistent friend in our efforts to create a more humane world.”

“It is heartening to see again how animal protection issues bring Members of Congress together across party lines,” said HSLF President Michael Markarian. “We thank Rep. Cohen for his outstanding work to ensure that our federal laws reflect the core humane values and attitudes of American society.”

Every year, the Humane Society Legislative Fund compiles a federal Humane Scorecard to provide a snapshot of animal protection issues considered by the U.S. Congress and give animal advocates a tool to assess the performance of their Senators and Representatives. The scorecard tracks key votes as well as co-sponsorship of important pro-animal bills and signing an annual letter seeking funds needed to enforce key animal welfare laws. For 2011, House ratings included votes on agribusiness subsidies, lethal predator control, and the Endangered Species Act, and co-sponsorship of priority bills on puppy mills, horse slaughter, animal fighting, and chimpanzees warehoused in laboratories.